Becoming a health advocate in your family and community 

Being a health advocate in your family, and community, is a really good thing. 

It’s a way to help your family, and community stay healthy.

• But, you may not know how to go about it. 

It’s okay. We got you. Here’s how to go about it without it feeling too hard for you. 

Becoming a health advocate in your family 

Your family is a great place to start teaching about health, and good habits. 

Start by talking about health, and what you know about it. 

• Every little detail counts.

Don’t be shy. You can start with your

• Siblings.
• Cousins you’re close to.
• Parents.
• Uncles and aunties.
• And other extended family members.

Just share what you know. 

But, don’t make it annoying, be nice about it, and don’t be judgmental. 

• If you are, it’ll be hard to do what you intend to do. 

Also lead by example.

Like the saying goes, 

• Practice what you preach. 

If you want to become a health advocate in your family, but you smoke and drink a lot. 

It’ll be really hard to get anyone to listen to you.

• Or even take you seriously. 

You might look like a joke🫢. 

AND, don’t use those 

“Listen to the message, not the messenger” lines, cause it might not work. 

You got to show them how it’s done.

• Lead the way. 

Also, being a health advocate means helping out. 

If someone’s sick, help them find some good information about what is wrong with them.

The effort, and enthusiasm you show, will really help you on your journey. 

And, your family will start to trust you a lot about health.

Anything thing is to make it a priority to check up on your family and ask how they’re doing.

• Even if you’re not close by.

It’ll show  that you love and care about them.

• And their health. 

Also, make plans with your family, to engage in activities that are healthy and fun.

Like,

• Group walks 
• Swimming (not just chilling in the pool)
• Weekend workouts 

Health advocate in your community 

This one might seem a little more intimidating, due to the fact that it’s people you don’t really know. 

• But, it’s nothing you can’t handle.

You just need need a little help. 

Search for groups you can join. 

• Like local groups that focus on health. 

If you’re in groups like Whatsapp group. You can share news about health there, with your community. 

• Including updates.

Also, support stores or spots that sell healthy meal options, by buying from them. 

• It will go a long way. 

Talk to community leaders about things that need to be improved  in the community, regarding health.

• Or share ideas you know can change things for the better. 

It’s even better if you’re a community leader. You can bring up

• Group saturday morning jogs
• Runs 
• Or other types of workouts. 
• Weekend football 

Ask others to join in. You can tell parents in your community to invite their children, or friends to activities. 

You can even make it more fun by including small prizes people can win. 

Also, be a guide by helping others find good health services. 

Tips 

• Don’t try to do it all at once, it’s important that you start small. 

• Share health apps or websites with people like (Medspurs✨) to others.

• Be patient with how things go. It might  take a little to see changes. 

• Pick something that you like, such as food or exercise.